February is Black History Month. In honor, I have put together a list of books read by myself, my kids, and fellow Madison Mom contributors that feature Black authors and/or characters.
I would love to know your recommendations!
Books for Children
Penny Butter Fudge by Toni Morrison and Slade Morrison (ages 5+)
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (ages 3+)
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (ages 2+)
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty (ages 5+)
Raising Dragons by Jerdine Nolen (ages 4+)
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio (ages 6+)
JoJo’s Flying Sidekick by Brian Pinkney (ages 5+)
The Hat That Wore Clara B. by Melanie Turner-Denstaedt (ages 4+)
Not Norman by Kelly Bennet (ages 4+)
Ruby and the Booker Boys by Derrick D. Barnes (ages 6+)
Clubhouse Mysteries by Sharon M. Draper (ages 8+)
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama (ages 4+)
Storm in the Night by Mary Stolz (ages 4+)
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B Williams (ages 4+)
Jamaica Louise James by Amy Hest (ages 5+)
The Bat Boy and His Violin by Gavin Curtis (ages 4+)
Books for Tweens/Teens/Adults
Another Brooklyn by Jacquline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (ages 10+)
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (ages 14+)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
The Color Purple by Alice Walker (ages 15+)
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama
Thanks for this great list! I would add that the The Brown Bookshelf’s 28 Days Later Project is an amazing resource for celebrating contemporary Black authors and illustrators. You can find their 11th annual list of honorees here: https://thebrownbookshelf.com/2018/01/22/celebrating-our-voices-28-days-later-honorees/